Apparatus for splicing paper rolls

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for splicing webs of paper, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for splicing a leading end of a fresh paper roll, which is not yet unwound, with a running web of an expiring paper roll which is being successively unwound. The two paper rolls are supported by means of a mill stand which is capable of rotatably supporting a pair of paper rolls rotating in opposite directions.

United States Patent 1191 Tokuno Nov. 18, 1975 i [75] Inventor:

[54] APPARATUS FOR SPLICING PAPER ROLLS Masateru Tokuno, Nishinomiya, Japan [73] Assignee: Rengo Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan [22] Filed: Aug. 7, 1973 [21] Appl. N0.: 386,293

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Mar. 7, 1973 Japan 48-26748 Apr. 24, 1973 Japan 48-47068 [52] US. Cl. 156/504; 156/159; 156/505; 242/582; 242/583 [51] Int. Cl. B65H 19/08 [58] Field of Search 156/502, 504, 505, 506, 156/507, 159; 242/581, 58.2, 58.3, 58.4, 58.5

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,106,360 10/1963 Kohler ..242/58.3

Butler, Jr. et a1 242/58.1 Giles 156/353 Primary Examiner-William A. Powell Assistant Examiner-Brian J Leitten Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Stewart and Kolasch, Ltd.

[57] ABSTRACT The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for splicing webs of paper, and more particularly,

to a method and apparatus for splicing a leading end of a fresh paper roll, which is not yet unwound, with a running web of an expiring paper roll which is being successively unwound. The two paper rolls are supported by means of a mill stand which is capable of rotatably supporting a pair of paper rolls rotating in opposite directions.

8 Claims, 33 Drawing Figures U.S. Patent Nov. 18,1975 Sheet 1 ofll 3,920,502

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U.S. Patent Nov. 18, 1975 Sheet 10 0f11 3,920,502

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APPARATUS FOR SPLICING- PAPER ROLLS BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for splicing a leading end of a fresh paper roll, which is not yet unwound, with a web running from an expiring paper roll which is being continuously unwound, so that the smooth face of the leading end may follow the smooth face of the running web and the rough face of the leading end may follow the rough face of the running web. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for splicing webs of liner for corrugated boards.

conventionally, the splicing operation of webs of paper has been performed by the following operation: An expiring paper roll and a fresh paper roll are suspended from a stand (as seen in a Lang Stone type of mill stand of a machine for manufacturing corrugated boards), which is capable of rotatably supporting a pair of paper rolls rotating in opposite directions. A short time before the expiring paper roll becomes depleted, the unwinding speed of the expiring paper roll is considerably reduced. Then, an operator rotates the fresh paper roll manually and another operator draws out the leading end of the fresh paper roll. The leading end is then spliced with the slowly running web from the expiring paper roll using a binding agent or an adhesive tape, so that the smooth face of the leading end may follow the smooth face of the running web and the rough face of the leading end may follow the rough face of the running web. The running web from the expiring roll is then cut away. In order to perform this kind of web-splicing operation, a number of related processes must be reduced in speed to compensate for the slow down in the roll rotation for effecting the transition from the expiring roll to the fresh roll.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for splicing a fresh paper roll with a running web which is being continuously withdrawn from an expiring paper roll, wherein the operational speed of the apparatus is not required to be reduced. In the splicing operation the respective inside and outside of the paper rolls are aligned, and the exhausted or expired paper roll is cut away.

ing end of the fresh paper roll.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a compact apparatus for splicing the paper rolls, wherein the operation is limited to a small space so that the paper rolls and supporting stand can be readily incorporated into existing machinery.

Other objects and further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter; it should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since variuos changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparen t to those skilled in the art from this detailed descrip- 0 vention,

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention and wherein,

FIG. 1 shows a side view showing an apparatus for splicing paper rolls in accordance with the present in- FIG. 2 is a front view showing a mill stand equipped .with a predriver,

FIG. 3 is a sectional view, taken along a line 3 3 of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken, along a line 4 4 of FIG. 1,

FIG. 5 is a sectional view, taken along a line of 5 5 of FIG. 1,

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a roll shaft holding plate driving portion, several portions thereof being somewhat displaced in position, I

FIGS. 7 to 9 illustrate how guiding sprockets for guiding the chains which suspend the roll supporting frames are mounted to sprocket shafts,

FIGS. 10 and 11 are, respectively, a perspective view and an essential sectional vew showing the paper roll employed in the paper roll splicing operation when using an intermediate roll,

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the paper roll employed in the paper roll splicing operation when not using the intermediate roll,

FIG. 13 is a diagram of a pneumatic circuit for splicing webs of paper in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are, respectively, a diagram of an electrical circuit for the apparatus for splicing paper rolls in accordance with the present invention,

FIGS. 16 to 27 show, sequence, the paper roll splicing operation performed by the use of an intermediate roll, and

FIGS. 28 to 33 show, in sequence, the'paper roll splicing operation performed without the use of an intermediate roll.

Before we proceed with the description of the present invention, it is to be noted that identical elements are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the various views the accompanying drawmgs.

The method and apparatus of the present invention will be described in connection with paper rolls for corrugated board liner which are spliced with each other in a corrugate machine, that is, a corrugated board. manufacturing machine.

As shown in FIG. 16, a paper roll 81 for corrugated board liner is supported on the front side of a mill stand 1 which rotatably supports two paper rolls in an opposing face-to-face relationship. The paper roll 81 (the rough face of the web of the roll 81 faces outwardly, and the rough face is indicated by a A mark in the drawing) is rotated counter-clockwise in FIG. 16, so that the paper drawn from the roll may extend between ,a pair of paper pushing rolls 31 and 32 located above the mill stand 1. The paper web, as it is drawn out, is in contact with the rotating paper roll 32. v I

As apparent from FIGS. 1 and 2, in the mill stand 1 of a Lang Stone type, and l-shaped (in section) long center frame 13 is secured, at both ends, to opposing side frames Hand 12, and is erected on a foundation 11. A pair of arms 141 and 141 are provided'on the front face side of the center frame 13 so that they can contact each other or be separated from each other for loading and unloading the paper rolls. The arms can also be moved vertically. Similarly a pair of arms 142 and 142 (only one arm is shown in the drawings) are provided on the rear face side of the center frame 13 and are adapted to operate in the same manner as arms 141. The pair of arms 141 and 141, and the pair of arms 142'and 142 rotatably support the paper rolls at the respective front ends.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 6, the pair of paper pushing rolls 31 and 32 are arranged in parallel with each other and with the width direction of the paper roll. The rolls are also rotatably mounted between a pair of roll shaft holding plates 33 and 33. Parallel side rods 21 and 21, of the roll supporting frame 2 are grooveshaped and extend from one paper roll to the other paper roll above the mill stand. The roll shaft holding plate 33 is movably engaged with the rails 211 and 212 so thatit can be shifted from near one end 201 of the roll supporting frame 2 to near the other end 202 thereof with the paper pushing rolls 31 and 32 supporting thereon.

As apparent from FIGS. 1 and 3, a shaft 221 is secured to one end 201 of the roll supporting frame 2, and projects, at both of its ends, from the outer face of the side rods 21 and 21. Similarly, shaft 222 is secured to the other end'202 of the roll supporting frame 2 and projects, at both of its ends, from the outer face of the side rods 21 and 21. One end of a pair of chains 231 and 231.is connected to both ends of the shaft 221, while the other end of the chains 231 and 231 is connected to piston rods 241 1 and 241 1 of a pair of air cylinders 241 and 241. One end 201 of the roll supporting frame 2 is suspended by securing these pair of air cylinders to plates 270 and 270 which are secured to both side faces of a substantially horizontal frame 10 placed above the mill stand 1. Also, one end of a pair of chains 232 and 232 is connected to both ends of the shaft 222, while the'other end of chains 232 and 232 is connected to the piston rods 2421 and 2421 of a pair of air cylinders 242 and 242. The air cylinders are secured to the 'plates 270 and 270 thereby suspending the other end 202 of the roll supporting frame 2. The pair of chains 231 and 231 are guided by a pair of guiding sprockets 251 and 251, which are rotatably mounted on the frame 10 as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 7 and 8, and are keyed to the both ends of a sprocket shaft 2511 which project from the plates 270 and 270. The width of a key groove 2510 on each guiding sprocket 251 is slightly bigger than that of a key 2512 secured to the shaft 2511 so that the sprocket 251 may loosely rotate with respect to the shaft 2511. Key grooves 2510 and 2510 of a pair of sprockets 251 and 251, and keys 2512 and 2512 engaged therewith are provided to align the shaft in the axial direction.

The pair of chains 232 and 232 are guided by a pair of guiding sprockets 252, 252 and 262, 262. As apparent from FIGS. 1, 5, 7 and 9, the guiding sprockets 252 and 252 are keyed to both ends of a sprocket shaft 2521 which is rotatably mounted on the plates 270. The width of a key groove 2520 on each guiding sprocket 252 is slightly bigger than that of a key 2522 secured to the shaft 2521 so that the sprocket 252 may slightly rotate without rotating the shaft 2521. Also, the

gaged into a notch 272 provided at the other end of the plate 270. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 1, the roll supporting frame 2 is stabilized almost horizontally. Also, under the condition where the roll supporting frame 2 is stabilized almost horizontally, each key 2512 of the sprocket shaft 2511 is engaged with the side face 2513 of the key groove 2510 of the guiding sprocket 251, and each key 2522 of the sprocket shaft 2521 is engaged with one side face 2523 of the key groove 2520 of the guiding sprocket 252. When the piston rod 2411 of air cylinder 241 and the piston rod 2421 of the air cylinder 242 are extended or retracted, one end 201 or the other end 202 of the roll supporting frame 2 can be raised or lowered with the shaft 222 or the shaft 221 as a pivotal point. A solenoid-operated brake 291 secured to the frame 10 is connected to an end of the shaft 2511 of the sprockets 251 and 251 guiding the chains 231 and 231, and a solenoid-operated brake 292 secured to the frame 10 is connected to an end of the shaft 2521 of the sprockets 252 and 252 guiding the chains 232 and 232. I

A roll shaft holding plate driving means 34 is additionally provided on the roll supporting frame 2 to drive the roll shaft holding plates 33 and 33. As apparent from FIG. 6, the roll shaft holding plate driving means 34 comprises a shaft 341 rotatably mounted on side rods 21 and 21 in one end 201 of the roll supporting frame 2, and a shaft 342 mounted on the side rods 21 and 21 in the other end 202 of the roll supporting frame 2. A pair of sprockets 341 1 and 3411 are secured to both ends of the shaft 341 between the side rods 21 and 21, and a pair of sprockets 3421 and 3421 are rotatably engaged with both ends of the shaft 342. A pair of endless chains 343 and 343 are placed along the side rods 21 and 21 of the roll supporting frame and are entrain on the sprockets 3411 and 3421. The chains are also connected to the roll shaft holding plates 33 and 33. A sprocket 344 secured to the end 3410 of the shaft 341 projects from the outer face of the side 21, and a rotating air motor 346 disposed on a motor supporting plate 345 projects from an approximate middle portion of the side rod 21. A sprocket 347 is secured to the shaft of the motor 346, and an endless chain 348 is entrained on sprocket 347, and sprocket 349, the latter sprocket being mounted on the side rod 21. Chains 343 and 343 are reciprocably rotated by the air motor 346 thereby shifting the roll shaft holding plates 33 and 33 from near one end 201 of the roll supporting frame 2 to near the other end 202 thereof.

A fresh paper roll 82 for corrugated board liner which is to be spliced with the web 811 from the paper roll 81 is rotatably supported on the rear side of the mill stand 1 as described in FIG. 16 so that it may be unwound by rotating it counter-clockwise in the drawing. The rougher force of the web of the paper roll 82 is also forced outwardly. In the paper roll 82, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 1 1, two small double-sided adhesive tapes 802 and 802 are applied on both corners of the outer face of a leading end 801, the corners of which are cut respectively into a triangle, thereby forming a trapezoid. The respective end of each tape 802 is extended somewhat beyond the leading end 801. The leading end 801 is cut so that the cut lines 803 and 803 substantially surround the double-sided adhesive tape 802. Furthermore, both ends of each cut line 803 approaches very close to the respective edge 804 of the leading end 801. Double-sided adhesive tapes 805 and 805 are applied upon the inner face of the leading end 801, and single faced adhesive tapes 806, and 806 whose top faces 8061 and 8061 are treated into a non-binding face are applied upon the surface 807 of the paper roll 82. The unadhered face 8051 of each double-sided adhesive tape 805 applied on the inner face of the leading end 801 is superposed upon the single faced adhesive tape top face 8061 which is treated into a non-binding face, and the respective ends of the double-sided adhesive tapes 802 which are extended beyond the leading end 801 is applied upon the paper roll outer face 808. Each single face adhesive tape 806 is provided with an area of almost same size as the double-sided adhesive tape 805 or an area somewhat bigger than the tape 805. Also, the respective end edge of the double-sided adhesive tape 805 and the single faced adhesive tape 806 are approximately aligned with the leading end edge 804.

When the paper roll 81 becomes smaller under such a condition as shown in FIG. 16, the air motor 346 of the roll supporting frame 2 is rotated thereby rotating the chains 343 and 343. Accordingly, the roll shaft holding plates 33 and 33 are shifted thereby moving the paper pushing rolls 31 and 32 toward the end 202 of the roll supporting frame 2 as shown in FIG. 17. Furthermore, an intermediate roll 42 is placed under the paper pushing roll 31. As described hereinbefore, as the paper pushing rolls 31 and 32 move closer to'the end 202 of the roll supporting frame 2, the running web 811 of the paper roll 81 is guided by a paper guiding roll 5 rotatably suspended from the under face of the middle portion of the roll suporting frame 2 as shown in FIG. 11. As apparent from FIGS. 1 and 5, the inter- I ably suspended along rails 423 and 423 which are provided on the under face of the side rods 21 and 21, from the end 202 of the roll supporting frame 2 toward end 201 thereof. Furthermore, tip ends of the piston rods 4241 and 4241 of the air cylinders 424 and 424, which are mounted on the outer face of the side rods 21 and 21 are mounted on the bearing cases 422 and 422. The bearing case 422 are slid along the rollsupporting frame 2 by the reciprocating motion of piston rods 4241, and accordingly the intermediate roll 42 can be moved under the roll supporting frame end 202 and under the paper pushing roll 31 placed near the end 202. The vertical play of the bearing 421 in the bearing case 422 is provided to such an extent that a little clearance may be provided between the two rolls when the intermediate roll 42 has been placed under the paper pushing roll 31, and the roll 42 may contact the paper pushing roll 31 when the intermediate roll 42 has been lifted.

As described hereinbefore, when the paper pushing rolls 31 and 32 have been moved close to the roll supporting frame end 202 and thus the intermediate roll 42 has been placed under the paper pushing roll 31, the air pressures inside the cylinder tubes 2422 and 2422 of the air cylinders 242 and 242 are reduced thereby causing the end 202 of the roll supporting frame 2 to be gradually lowered by its own weight, while preventing chains 232 from becoming slack. As shown in FIG. 18, when the intermideate roll 42 has become closer to the paper roll 82, each chain 232 and the roll supporting frame 2 are stopped by a solenoid-operated brake 292. In a condition where the roll supporting frame 2 is made stationary by the brake 292, each key 2522 of the sprocket shaft 2521 is engaged with the side face 2524 of the key groove 2520 of the guiding sprocket 252.

As described hereinbefore, when the intermediate roll 42 has been placed near the paper roll 82, the paper roll 82 is rotated counter-clockwise in the drawing, by a predriver 72 as shown in FIG. 18, and set to the unwinding speed of the expiring paper roll 81.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the predriver 72, pulleys 731 and 732 are rotatably provided at upper and lower ends of a longitudinally long pulley supporting member 73 which is pivotally suspended, at the middle portion, on the rear side of the mill stand, and the endless belt 733 is entrained on these pulleys. The upper pulley 731 may be driven by a motor 74R. The piston rod 781 of an air cylinder 78R, which is pivotally mounted on the mill stand 1, is connected to the pulley supporting member 73 thereby causing the air cylinder 78 to oscillate the pulley supporting member 73. The endless belt 733 which is rotated by a motor 74R is brought into contact with the paper roll supported by the arms 142 and 142 thereby rotating the paper roll. The predriver 72 is the same in construction as the predriver 71 provided on the front side of the mill stand 1, and accordingly, it will be described in detail in connection with the description of the predriver 71 provided hereinbelow.

When the paper roll 82 has been rotated by the predriver 72 as described hereinbefore, the current flowing to the solenoid operated brake 292 is stopped, before the leading end 801 of the paper roll 82 reaches under the intermediate roll 42, thereby lowering the roll supporting frame 2 by its own weight again. Thus, the web 811 from the paper roll 81 is grasped by the intermediate roll 42 and the paper pushing roll 31 as shown in FIG. 19, while the intermediate roll 42 is pushed against the paper roll 82. Accordingly, the unadhered faces 8021 and 8021 (see FIG. 11) of the double-faced adhesive tapes 802 and 802 applied on the leading end outer face is applied upon the peripheral surface of the intermediate roll 42. The leading end 801 is bound on the intermediate roll 42 and is reversed, and accordingly the unadhered surfaces 8051 and-8051 of the double-sided adhesive tapes 805 and 805 applied on the inner face of the leading end 801 are exposed and are applied upon the running web 811 of the expiring paper roll 81. Thus, the leading end 801 of the web 81 1 from the paper roll 82 is spliced with the paper roll'81 so that the smoother face of the leading end corresponds with the smoother face of the running web and the rougher face of the leading end corresponds with the rougher face of the running web.

When the paper roll 82 has been spliced with the paper roll 81, the double-sided adhesive tapes 802 and 802 on the leading end outer face applied on the intermediate roll 42 are separated from the intermediate roll 42. Or when the tapes 802 and 802 have been applied tightly on the roll 42, the uncut portion between the respective end of the serrated lines 803 of the leading end 801 and the leading end edge 804 is broken so that the broken pieces of the leading end 801 may remain on the peripheral surface of the roll 42.

Furthermore, if the intermediate roll 42 and the paper roll 82, or the intermediate roll 42 and the web 811 of the paper roll 81, are respectively unable to simultaneously contact each other across the width of the paper roll because of irregular diameter dimensions of both ends on the paper roll 82, or because of manufacturing errors or installing errors, etc. of the apparatus when the roll supporting frame 2 has been lowered by the release of the solenoid-operated brake 292, the roll supporting frame side rod 21 is further lowered, thus finally establishing on even contact across the width of the paper rolls. When the roll supporting frame side rod 21 on the uncontacted side is further lowered, the key 2522 of the sprocket shaft is adapted to slide through the key groove 2520, with the guiding sprocket 252 of the chain 232 located on the contacted side, being kept stationary.

Thus, after the leading end of the paper roll 82 has been spliced with the web 811 from the paper roll 81, the unnecessary position of the web 811 (per a) is cut away by a cutter 6 as shown in FIG. 20.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the cutter 6 comprises a shaft 51 with which the paper guiding roll is freely rotatably engaged, the shaft 51 being rotatably mounted on the under face of the middle portion of the roll supporting frame; a pair of parallel arm rods 61 and 61 which are fixed to both ends of the shaft 51; a knife 62 which is secured to the lower end of the arm rods and an air motor 63 secured to the side rod 21 of the frame 2, the driving shaft 631 of the air motor 63 being connected to the shaft 51. The shaft 51 which is connected to the driving shaft 631 is reciprocably rotated through approximately 270 degrees by the air motor 63. The arm rods 61 and 61 are oscillated clockwise or counterclockwise in FIG. 1 by the motor 63. Accordingly, the knife 62 is raised thereby cutting away the running web.

After the running web 811 has been cut away by the clockwise rotation of the cutter knife 62, as shown in FIG. 20, the web splicing operation is completed. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 21, the roll supporting frame 2, the intermediate roll 42, and the predriver 72 are restored to their original position thereby preparing for. the subsequent operation. In this case, the paper pushing rolls 31 and 32 are set, as they are, close to the end 202 of the roll supporting frame 2, while the cutter knife 62 is also maintained as it is. Then, the splicing operation will be described wherein a leading end of a paper roll 83 (the smoother face of the web of the roll 83 faces outwardly, and the rougher face of the web is indicated by a A mark in the drawing) is pulled out through the clockwise rotation thereof, and is spliced with the web 821 from the paper roll 82 which is continuously unwound. At first, the structure of the leading end of the paper roll 83 is the same as that of the leading end of the paper roll 82 shown in FIGS. and 11.

Then, as shown in FIG. 23, the air motor 346 of the roll supporting frame 2 is rotated thereby moving the roll shaft holding plates 33 and 33 close to the end 201 of the roll supporting frame 2, while the intermediate roll 41 is positioned under the paper pushing roll 32 which is closer to the roll supporting frame and 201.

As apparent from FIGS. 1 and 3, the intermediate roll 41 is rotatably supported by a pair of bearings 411 and 411 which are engaged with a pair of bearing cases 412 and 412. The bearings 411 may move slightly in a vertical direction in cases 412. The bearing cases 412 and 412 are slidably suspended, along rails, 413 and 413 which are provided on the under face of the side rods 21 and 21 from the end 201 of the roll supporting frame 2 towards the other ends 202 thereof. The tip end of piston rods 4141 and 4141 of the air cylinders 414 and 414, which are mounted on the outer face of the side rods 21 and 21, are fixed to the bearing cases 412 and 412. The reciprocating motion of the piston rods 4141 and 4141 slides the bearing cases 412 along the frame 2 thus allowing the intermediate roll 41 to reciprocate from a position under the roll supporting frame end 201 and under the paper pushing roll 32 which is disposed near the end 201. The vertical play of the each bearing 411 in the bearing case 412 is provided to such an extent that a little clearance is produced between the two rolls when the intermediate roll 41 has been disposed under the paper pushing roll 32, and the intermediate roll 41 contact the paper pushing roll 32 when the intermediate roll 41 is raised.

As described hereinbefore, when the paper pushing roll 31 and 32 have moved close to the roll supporting frame end 201, and the intermediate roll 41 has been placed under the paper pushing roll 32, the air pressures inside the cylinder tube 2412 of the air cylinders 241 are reduced thereby causing the end 201 of the roll supporting frame 2 to be gradually lowered by its own weight. The portion of each chain 231 extending from the air cylinder 241 to the guiding sprocket 251 is also prevented from becoming slack, and the arms 141 and 141 of the mill stand 1 are raised, as required. As shown in FIG. 24, when the intermediate roll 41 comes close to the paper roll 83, the solenoid operated brake 291 is operated thereby stopping each chain 231 and the roll supporting frame 2. In the situation where the roll supporting frame 2 is made stationary by the brake 291, the key 2512 of the sprocket shaft 2511 is engaged with the side face 2514 of the key groove 2510 of the sprocket 251.

When the intermediate roll 41 has been placed close to the paper roll 83, the paper roll 83 is rotated clockwise, as shown in FIG. 24, by a predriver 71, while setting to the unwinding speed of the paper roll 82.

As apparent from FIGS. 1 and 2, in the predriver 71, a longitudinally long pulley supporting member 73 is pivotally suspended from an approximate middle portion on the front side of the mill stand 1 and the pulleys 731 and 732 are rotatably provided at the upper and lower ends of the pulley supporting member 73, with an endless belt 733 being entrained on these pulleys. A motor 74L provided on the mill stand 1 is connected to the an shaft of a speed change gear 75 through a belt transmission gear 761. An output shaft of the speed change gear 75 is connected to one end of a transmission shaft 77, which is rotatably mounted on the mill stand 1, by a chain transmission gear 762. The other end of the transmission shaft 77 is connected to a shaft of the pulley 731 by a chain transmission gear 763. Accordingly, the pulley 731 can be driven by the motor 74L. Furthermore, a tip end of a piston rod 781 of an air cylinder 78L is rotatably connected to the pulley supporting member 73, while the cylinder tube 782 is pivotally mounted in the lower portion of the mill stand 1. Retraction of the piston rod 781 of the air cylinder 78L into the cylinder tube 782 raises the pulley supporting member 73 thereby causing the endless belt 733 to contact and roll the paper rotate supported by the mill stand arms 141 and 141.

As described hereinbefore, when the paper roll 83 has been rotated by the predriver 71 see FIG. 24 the current flowing to the solenoid operated brake 291 is stopped before the leading end of the paper roll 83 is reaches a position under the intermediate roll 41, thereby lowering the roll supporting frame 2 again by its own weight. As shown in FIG. 25, the running web 821 of the paper roll 82 is grasped between the paper pushing roll 32 and the intermediate roll 41, while the intermediate roll 41 is pushed against the paper roll 83. In the same manner as in splicing the paper roll 81 with the paper roll 82, the leading end of the paper roll 83 is spliced with the web 821 from the paper roll 82, so that the smoother face of the leading end corresponds to the smoother face of the running web and the rougher face of the leading end corresponds to the rougher face of the running web. Thereafter as shown in FIG. 26, the small unnecessary portion of the web 821 is cut away by rotating the knife 62 of the cutter 6 counterclockwise in the drawing. Then, as shown in FIG. 27, the roll supporting frame 2, the intermediate roll 41 and the predriver 71 are restored to their original position and thus are prepared for the following operation. The paper pushing rolls 31 and 32 are set, as they are, close to the end 201 of the roll supporting frame 2.

In order to splice a leading end of a winding paper roll 91 (the smoother face of the web of the roll 91 facing outwardly) with the web from the paper roll 81, the following operation is performed without use of the intermediate roll 42.

As shown in FIG. 12, the double-sided adhesive tapes 902 are applied on the outer face of the leading end 901 of the paper roll 91. Much smaller double-sided adhesive tapes 903, than the double-sided adhesive tapes 902 are applied upon the leading end 901 and the outer face 904 of the paper roll. As shown in .FIG. 28, the paper roll 91 is supported by the arms 142 and 142 on the rear face side of the mill stand 1 as shown in FIG. 22 so that it may be unwound through clockwise rotation thereof in the drawing.

Then, the paper pushing rolls 31 and 32 are moved close to the end 202 of the roll supporting frame 2 and the end 202 of the roll supporting frame 2 is lowered thereby stopping the paper pushing roll 31 close to the paper roll 91, as shown with the imaginary line in FIG. 29. Then, the paper roll 91 is rotated clockwise, in FIG. 29, by the predriver 72. Thereafter, the roll supporting frame 2 is again lowered thereby contacting the running web 811 of the paper roll 81 with the paper roll 91 by the paper pushing roll 31. The unadhered face of the double-faced adhesive tapes 903 which are applied on the outer face of the leading end 901 of the paper roll 91, and the unapplied face of the both face adhesive tapes 902 are applied upon the web 811 of the leading end of the paper roll 81. The paper roll 91 is spliced with the web 811 running from the the paper roll 81, so that the smoother face of the leading end may follow the smoother face of the running web and the rougher face of the leading end may follow the rougher face of the running web. Thus, the leading end of the paper roll 91 is spliced with the web 811 from the paper roll 81 and then the unnecessary portion of the web 811 is cut away by a cutter 6 as shown in FIG. 30. The roll supporting frame 2, and the predriver 72 are restored to the original condition.

Also, in order to splice the paper roll 92 with the paper roll 91 (with the rougher face of the web of the roll 92 facing outwardly), the following operation is performed without the use of the intermediate roll 41.

The structure of the leading end of the paper roll 92 is the same as that of the leading end of the paper roll 91 as shown in FIG. 12. The paper roll 92 is supported by the mill stand arms 141 and 141 as shown in FIG. 31 so that it may be unwound through the counterclockwise rotation thereof in the drawing. Then, the paper pushing rolls 31 and 32 are moved close to the roll supporting frame end 201 and the roll supporting frame end 201 is lowered. As shown with an imaginary line in FIG. 32, the paper pushing roll 32 is suspended close to the paper roll 92. Subsequently, the paper roll 92 is rotated counter clockwise in FIG. 32, by the predriver 71. Thereafter, the roll supporting frame 2 is lowered again thereby causing the paper pushing roll 32 to contact the web 911 of the paper roll 91 with the paper roll 92. The leading end of the paper roll 92 is spliced with the web 911 running from the paper roll 91, so that the smoother face of the leading end may correspond to the smoother face of the running web and the rougher face of the leading end may correspond to the rougher face of the running web. Thereafter, the unnecessary portion of the web 91 1 is cut away by a cutter 6 as shown in FIG. 33 and the roll supporting frame 2, and predriver 71 are restored to the former condition.

FIG. 13 shows a pneumatic circuit of the air cylinders 241, 241 and 242, 242 for moving the roll supporting frame numeral 2, the rotary air motor 346 for moving the roll shaft holding plates the air cylinders 414, 414 and 424, 424 for moving the intermediate rolls, 41 and 42 the air cylinders 78L and 78R for the predrivers 71 and 72, and the air motor 63 for the cutter 6. Referring now to FIG. 13, VlL, V1R, V4L and V4R are respectively a spring off-set type of S-port 2-position solenoid operated valve, and V2, V3R, V3L and V5 are respectively a closed-center type of 5-port 3-position solenoid operated valve. The solenoid operated valves VlL and V1R have respectively one feed air port pipeconnected with a proper compressed air source 101 through a manifold 106, a lubricator 105, a pressure regulating valve 104 with a pressure gauge, a filter 103 and a stop valve 102, while the valves VlL and V1R have the other feed air port pipe-connected with the manifold 106 through relief valves 108L and 108R, and pressure regulating valves 107L and 107R, respectively, with a pressure gauge. Each port, on the side of the cylinder, of the valves V1L and V1R is pipeconnected with the respective corresponding ports, on the rod-cover side, of the air cylinders 241, 241 and 242, 242. Each port, on the head-cover side, of the air cylinders 241, 241 and 242, 242 eommunicateswith atmosphere through speed controllers 109L, 109L' and 109R, 109R. The pressure regulating valves 107L and 107R are reduced in pressure from the pressure regulating valve 104 and thus are adjusted so that the end of the roll supporting frame 2 may be lowered by its own weight, overcoming air pressure when the feed air port of the valve VlL or V1R have been connected to the pressure regulating valve. The feed air ports of the solenoid operated valves V2, V3L, V3R, V4L, V4R and V are respectively pipe-connected with the manifold 106. However, a pressure regulating valves 110 and 111, respectively with a pressure gauge are pipeconnected between the feed air port of the valve V2 and the manifold 106, and between the feed air ports of the valves V4L, V4R and the manifold 106. An exhaust port of the valve 2 communicates with atmosphere through a silencer 112, and a port, on the side of the air motor, of the valve V2 is pipe-connected with the rotary air motor 346. One port, on the side of the cylinder, of the respective valves V3L and V3R is pipeconnected with the respective corresponding ports, on the headcover side, of the air cylinders 414, 414 and 424, 424 through speed controllers 113L, 113L and 113R, 113R, while the other port, on the side of the cylinder, of the respective valves is connected with the respective corresponding ports, on the rod-cover side, of the air cylinders 414, 414 and 424, 424 through speed controllers 114L, 114L and 114R, 114R. Also, one port, on the side of the cylinder, of the respective valves V4L and V4R is pipe-connected with the respective corresponding ports, on the rod-cover side of the air cylinders 78L and 78R, through speed controllers 115L and 115R, while the other port, on the side of the cylinder, of the respective valves is pipe-connected with the respective corresponding ports, on the headcover side of the air cylinders 78L and 78R through speed controllers 116L and 116R. The port, on the side of the cylinder, of the valve V5 is pipe-connected with the air motor 63.-

Under a condition shown in FIG. 13, the solenoids SOIL and SOlR of the valves V1L and VlR are respectively demagnetized and thus the piston rods 241 1, 241 l and 2421, 2421 of the air cylinders 241, 241 and 242, 242 are retracted into cylinder tubes 2412, 2412 and 2422, 2422. Also, the solenoids SO2L and SO2R of the valve V2 are also demagnetized and thus the air motor 346 is topped. Furthermore, the solenoids SO3L1 and SO3R1 of the valves V3L and V3R are demagnetized, and the solenoids SO3L2 and SO3R2 of the valves V3L and V3R are demagnetized. The piston rod 4141 of each air cylinder 414, and the piston rod 4241 of each air cylinder 424 are respectively projected and stopped. Furthermore, the solenoids SO4L and SO4R of the valves V4L and V4R are both demagnetized, and the piston rods 781 and 781 of the air cylinders 78L and 78R are projected from the cylinder tubes 782 and 782, while the solenoid SOSL and SOSR of the valve V5 is also demagnetized, and thus the air motor 63 is stopped.

Electrical circuits for the web splicing apparatus are shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, electric parts designated by a mark containing a letter R" are used in controlling the motor 74R, the solenoid operated brake 292 and the solenoids SOlR, SO2R, SO3R1, SO3R2, 804R and SOSR of solenoid operated valves VlR, V2, V3R, V4R and V5. The motor 74R and the solenoid operated brake 292 are operated in splicing the leading of the paper roll, which is supported by the arms 142 and 142 of the mill stand, with the web from the paper roll which is supported by the arms 141 and 141 of the mill stand. Also, electric parts designated by a mark containing a letter L are used in controlling the motor 74L, a solenoid operated brake 291 and solenoids SOIL, SOZL, SO3L1, SO3L2, S041 and SOSL of solenoid operated valves VlL, V2,

V3L, V4L and V5. The motor 74L and the solenoid operated brake 291 are operated in splicing the leading of the paper roll, which is supported by the arms 141 and 141 of the mill stand, with the web of the paper roll which is supported by the arms 142 and 142 of the mill stand. Electric parts designated by a mark containing a letter C are operated even in any splicing operation as described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, NFBl and NFB2 are respectively a no-fuse breaker. NFBl is designed to make and break an electric route from power-leading terminals X and Y to a main circuit, and (or) to protect a secondary side load circuit, while NFB2 is designed to protect a control operating circuit of the present apparatus which functions as the secondary side load circuit. DC motor 74L and 74R are motor for the predrivers 71 and 72. DCC is a ratio controlling device for the motors 74L and 74R which operates, through proportional controlling operation, the motor by inputs from a motor DCT which detects the running speed of the web from the paper roll supported by the arms 141 and 141 or 142 and 142 of the mill stand and by inputs from a tachometer generator LTG and RTG which directly detects the rotation speed of the motors 74L and 74R for feedback controlling. Thus the fresh fully wound paper roll to be spliced with, the exhausting roll is rotated, while setting to the unwinding speed of the exhausting paper roll. The solenoid operated brakes 291 and 292 are operative when current is not flowing, and become inoperative through the separation of brake discs when current is flowing. PW-R and PW-L are respectively a power source box for feeding power to the solenoid operated brake. CR, SWlR, SW2R, SW3R, SW4R and SWlL, SW2L, SW3L and SW4L are respectively a switch of a rotary type, and the opening and closing condition of contact can be maintained by proper rotation and suspensation of a switch handle. The switch CS is designed for the operation and suspension lock switching of the apparatus. The switches SWlR and SWlL are respectively a switch for moving the paper pushing roll, while the switches SWZR and SW2L are respectively designed for an auto-manual operation switching of the apparatus. The switches SW3R and SW3L are respectively a switch for switching the splice preparing operation and the roll supporting frame ascending operation. The switches SW4R and SW4L are respectively a switch for moving the intermediate roll. PBlR, PB2R, PB3R, PB4R, PBSR, PB6R, PB7R and PBlL, PBZL, PBSL, PB4L, PBSL, PB6L, PB7L are respectively a so-called momentary push button switch which is closed only when the switch knob is in a depressed position. PBlR and PBlL are respectively a switch for emergency stop. The switches PB2R and PB2L are respectively a switch for descending operation of the roll supporting frame, while PB3R and PB3L are respectively a switch for ascending operation of the roll supporting frame. PB4R and PB4L are respectively a switch for operating the predriver. PBSR and PBSL are respectively a switch for splice starting, PB6R and PB6L being respectively a switch for operating the cutter, while PB7R and PB7L are respectively a switch for cutter operation. RS-l (FIG. 14) and LS-l (FIG. 15) are respectively a limit switch. RS-l and LS-l are respectively secured to the mill stand 1 as shown in FIG. 1. The respective contacts of the limit switches are opened through the pushing force of the pulley supporting member when the pulley supporting members 73 and 73 of the predriver are located at their lower limits, while the contacts of the limit switches are respectively closed when the pulley supporting members 73 and 73 are raised from their lower limits. MRA, MRB and MLA, MLB are respectively an operating coil of magnetic contactor with a thermal relay for normally and reversely rotating the DC motors 74R and 74L of the predrivers 72 and 71. ESR R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12 and TGR (FIG. 14) and ESL, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, L10, L11, L12 and TGL (FIG. 15) are respectively a relay coil. Relays ESR and ESL are designed for emergency stop. Also, relays R1, L1 are respectively an auxiliary relay to be excited only when the switches SWlR and SWIL are respectively closed, while the relays R2 and L2 are respectively an auxiliary relay to be excited only when the contacts for the switches SW2R and SW2L are respectively closed. The relays R3 and L3 are respectively an auxiliary relay to be excited only when the contacts 3RP and 3LP for switches SW3R and SW3L, or switches PB2R and PB2L are closed. Relays R4 and L4 are respectively an auxiliary relay to be excited only when the contacts 3RU and 3LU for switchs 3W3R and 3W3L or switches PB3R and PB3L are closed, while relays R11 and L11 are respectively an auxiliary relay to be excited only when switches SW4R and SW4L are respectively closed. Relays R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R12, TGR and L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, L10, L12, TGL are respectively a relay for sequence-controlling the web splicing processes. TRl, TR3, TR4, TRS (FIG. 14) and TL1, TL3, TL4, TLS (FIG. 15) are respectively an operating coil for timer relay. The timer relays TRl, and TL1 are designed for setting the rotation start timing of the DC motor 74R and 74L for the predriver, the timer relays TR3 and TL3 being for setting the return timing of the cutter 6, the timer relays TR4 and TL4 being for setting the return timing of the predrivers 72 and 71 the timer relays TRS and TLS being for setting the ascent start timing of the roll supporting frame 2. Contacts MRA/1, MRA/2 and MLA/l, MLA/2 are respectively a normally-opened contact (hereinafter the normally-opened contact is referred to as A contact) for magnetic contactors MRA and MLA. Contacts MRA/3 and MLA/3 are respectively a normally-closed contact (hereinafter the normally-closed contact is referred to as B contact) for magnetic contactors MRA and MLA. MRA/4 and MLA/4 are respectively a B contact of a thermal relay attached to the magnetic contactor and are opened upon operation of the thermal relay. Also, contacts MRB/l, MRB/2 and MLB/1, MLB/2 are respectively an A contact for magnetic contactors MRB and MLB. Contacts MRB/3 and MLB/3 are respectively a B contact for magnetic contactors MRB and MLB. MRB/4 and MLB/4 are respectively a B contact of a thermal relay attached to the magnetic contactor and are opened upon operation of the thermal relay. Contacts Rl/l, R2/la, R3/l, R3/2, R4/2 and L1/l, L2/la, L3/l L3/2, L4/2 are respectively an A contact for relay R1, R2, R3, R4 and L1, L2, L3, L4. Contacts RS/l, R5/2, R5/3, R5/4, R6/l, R6/2, R7/] and LS/l, L5/2, L5/3, L5/4, L6/l, L6/2, L7/l are respectively an A contact for relays R5, R6, R7 a and L5, L6, L7. Also, contacts R8/l, R8/2, R10/l, Rll/la, R11/2a, R12/l, R12/2, TGR/1, TGR/2 and L8/l, L8/2, L10/l, L11/la. L11/2a, L12/l L12/2, TGL/1, TGL/2 are respectively an A contact for relays R8, R10, R11, R12, TGR and L8, L10, L11, L12, TGL. Contacts ESR/1, Rl/2,

R2/lb, R4/l, R5/5, (FIG. 15), R5/6, R9/l, Rll/lb, R11/2b and ESL/l, L1/2, L2/lb, L4/l, L5/5, L5/6, L9/l, L11/lb, L11/2b are respectively a B contact for relays ESR, R1, R2, R4, R5, R9, R11 and ESL, L1, L2, L4, L5, L9, L11. Contacts TRl/l, TRS/l and TL1/l, TL5/l are respectively a time limit A contact (which is closed after elapse of a set time after the current has been flowed into the relay coil) for timer relays TRl, TRS and TL1, TL5. Contacts TR3/l TR4/l and TL3/l TL4/l are respectively a time limit B contact (which is opened after elapse of a set time after the current has been flowed into the relay coil) for timer relays TR3, TR4 and TL3, TL4.

Subsequently, the functions of the electric circuits will be schematically described in a case where the leading end of the paper roll 82 which is supported by arms 142 and 142 of the mill stand 1 is spliced with the web from the paper roll 81 which is supported by the arms 141 and 141 of the mill stand 1 by use of the intermediate roll 42.

Assume that switch CS for stop locking of the apparatus is closed and a contct 2RA for automatic operation of a switch SW2R is closed, and the contact 2RM for manual operation is opened. Under a first steady condition as shown in FIG. 16, a switch SWlR for moving the paper pushing roll 42 is opened and the roll supporting frame 2 is suspended at its ascent limit. Also, the pulley supporting member 73 of the predriver 72 is suspended at its descent limit and the limit switch RS-l is opened. The cutter 6 is stopped with the knife 62 being under the paper guiding roll 5.

By closing the switch SWlR for the paper pushing roll moving operation from such a steady condition, the relay R1 is excited and the contact R1/I is closed. Thus, the solenoid 802R is excited thereby rotating the air motor 346 of the means 34 for moving the roll shaft holding plates. The roll shaft holding plates 33, 33 and the paper pushing rolls 31 and 32 are moved towards the roll supporting frame end 202. When the paper pushing rolls 31 and 32 have reached a position close to the roll supporting frame end 202, the switch SWlR is opened thereby suspending the roll shaft holding plates 33 and 33 (see FIG. 17). Subsequently, closure of the switch SW4R for moving the intermediate roll to 42 excites the solenoid coil SO3R2 of the solenoid operated value V3R thereby retracting the piston rod 4241 of each air cylinder 424 into the cylinder tube 4242. Accordingly, the intermediate roll 42 is moved downwardly of the paper pushing roll 31 and is stopped (see FIG. 17). Then, by closing a contact 3R? of the switch SW3R for the splicing preparation, and opening a contact 3RU for manual operation, the solenoid coil SOlR of the solenoid operated valve VlR is excited thereby connecting a pressure regulating valve 107R to each air cylinder 242. The relay R12 is excited thereby disengaging a solenoid operated brake 292. Accordingly, the end 202 of the roll supporting frame 2 starts to descend by its own weight as shown in FIG. 18. When the intermediate roll 42 has descended close to the paper roll 82 to be spliced, the relay R12 is demagnetized upon opening the contact 3RP of the switch SW3R. Thus, the solenoid operated brake 292 acts to cause the roll supporting frame 2 to suspend its descent. By depressing the switch PB4R for predriver operation, the solenoid coil SO4R of the solenoid operated valve V4R is excited thereby retracting the piston rod 781 of the air cylinder 78R into the cylinder tube 782 and then initiating the accent of the pulley supporting member 73 of the predriver 72. Closure of the limit switch RS-l by the ascending operation of the pulley supporting member 73 excites the magnetic contactor MRB thereby to cause the motor 74R to rotate the paper roll 82 counter-clockwise in the drawing. Also, as described hereinbefore, closure of the switch PB4R excites the timer relay TR1 simultaneously thereby to close the A contact TRl/l of the timer relay TR1 after elapse of the set time. The relay TGR is excited thereby to close contacts TGR/1 and TGR/2. The ratio controlling device DCC starts to operate and the motor 74R is rotated under speed controlling by the ratio controlling device DCC so that the paper roll 82 may start to rotate while being setting to the unwinding speed of the paper roll 81 (see FIG. 18). By pressing the switch PBSR for splicing start, the relay R8, timer relays TR4 and TR5 are excited, since the contact R5/4 is closed. Accordingly, a self-holding circuit is formed by means of the contact R8/l, while the timer relays TR4 and TRS start to count time. Simultaneously, the contact R8/2 is closed and thus the solenoid operated brake 292 is disengaged again. The roll supporting frame 2 is descended again thereby bringing the web 81 1 from the paper roll 81 into contact with the intermediate roll 42, and pressing the intermediate roll 42 against the paper roll 82 (see FIG. 19). The B contact TR4/l of the timer relay TR4 is opened after elapse of a proper time sufficient enough to complete the web splicing operation after the roll supporting frame 2 has again started to descend. The solenoid coil SO4R is demagnetized and thus the pulley supporting member 73 of the predriver 72 is lowered thereby separating from the paper roll 82 until the limit switch RS-1 is opened. Furthermore, the A contact TRS/l of the timer relay TRS is closed thereby exciting the relay R9 and demagnetizing the relay R5. Accordingly, the contact RS/l is opened and the solenoid coil SOlR is demagnetized. The end 202 of the roll supporting frame 2 is ascendingly restored and stopped. Also, by the demagnetization of the relay R5, the contact R5/3 is also opened and the relay R6 is demagnetized. The magnetic contactor MRB and the relay TGR are demagnetized thereby stopping the operation of the motor 74R and the ratio controlling device DCC. Since the solenoid coil SOSR of the solenoid operated valve V5 is excited upon closing of the switch PB7R the cutting operation after the web splicing operation has been completed, the air motor 63 is rotated to cut the web 811 from the paper roll 81 by a knife 62 as shown in FIG. 20. After the switch PB7R has been closed, and the cutting operation thereof has been completed, the B contact TR3/l of the timer relay TR3 is opened. The solenoid coil SOSR is demagnetized and the motor 63 is stopped thereby stopping the knife 62 in its position. Thus, the switch SW4R for'the intermediate roll operation is opened and the intermediate roll is restored to the roll supporting frame end 202, whereby a second steady condition as shown in FIG. 21 is obtained.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and to 27, the function of the electric circuits in splicing the leading end of the paper roll 83 (which is supported by the arms 141 and 141 of the mill stand 1, with the web from the paper roll 82 which is supported by the arms 142 and 142 of the mill stand 1, through the use of the intermediate roll 41, as shown in FIGS. 16 to 21) is almost the same as that of the electric circuits in splicing the leading of the paper roll 82 with the web from the paper roll 81 as described hereinbefore.

The contact 2LA for automatic operation, respectively, of the switch CS for stop locking of the apparatus, and the switch SW2L for automatic-manual operation switch are kept closed in advance. The switch SWlL for moving the paper pushing roll, the switch SW4L for moving the intermediate roll, the switch SW3L for the splicing preparation, the switch PB4L for predriver operation, the switch PBSL for the splicing start and the switch PG7L for the cutter operation are operated in consecutive order. In this case, the motor 741. of the predriver 71 is rotated with the contacts MLB/1 and MLB/2 for the magnetic contactor MLB being closed, while the paper roll 83 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 24.

As shown in FIGS. 28 to 30, in splicing the paper roll 91 which is supported by the arms 142 and 142 of the mill stand, with the web from the paper roll 81 which is supported by the arms 141 and 141 of the mill stand 1, without using the intermediate roll 42, and as shown in FIGS. 31 to 33, in splicing the leading end of the paper roll 92 which is supported by the arms 141 and 141 of the mill stand 1 with the web from the paper roll 91, which is supported by the arms 142 and 142 of the mill stand 1, without using the intermediate roll 41, the contact 2RA (2LA) of the switch CS for stop locking of the apparatus and the switch SWZR (SW2L) are kept closed in advance. Thereafter, the switch SWlR (SWlL), the switch SW3R (SW3L), the switch PB4R (PB4L), the switch PBSR (PBSL) and the switch PB7R (PB7L) are operated in consecutive order. In this case, the motor 74R (74L) of the predriver 72 (71) is rotated by closure of the contacts MRA/1 (MLA/ 1) and MRA/2 (MLA/2) of the magnetic contactor MRA (MLA) and the paper roll 91 (92) is rotated clockwise (counter-clockwise).

Even in the splicing operation as shown in FIGS. 16 and 33, by depressing the switches PB6R and PB6L for the resetting operation, the roll supporting frame 2, and the predrivers 72 and 71 are returned, respectively, to a steady position, and the cutter 6, the motors 74R, 74L and the ratio controlling device DCC are stopped. By depressing the switches PBIR and PBlL for emergency stop, the roll supporting frame 2, and the predrivers 72 and 71 are returned respectively to a steady position, and the cutter 6 and the intermediate rolls 41 and 42 are stopped, respectively, at in the position where they are. The motors 74R, 74L and the ratio controlling device DCC are stopped in operation. By closing the contact 3RU (3LU) of the switch SW3R (SW3L) when the roll supporting frame 2 is located at a position of the top limit or lower, the roll supporting frame 2 can be raised up to the ascent limit.

Furthermore, by closing the switch PBZR (PB2L) and the switch PB3R (PB3L), with the contact ZRM (2LM) for manual operation of the switch SW2R (SWZL) for automatic to manual operation switching being kept close, the end 202 (end 201) of the roll supporting frame 2 can be raised or lowered properly.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. 

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein cutting means are disposed above the mill stand for cutting the web running from the expiring roll.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein frame means are provided for suspending the roll supporting frame above the mill stand, said frame means comprising means connected to each end of the roll supporting frame, air cylinders secured to the frame means, said air cylinders connecting each end of the roll supporting frame with chains, said chains being connected to piston rods, and sproCket means rotatably mounted in the frame means and adapted to guide said chains.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the sprockets which guide the chains for suspending each end of the roll supporting frame are keyed to the sprocket shaft which is rotatably mounted in the frame means, the key groove width of the sprocket being slightly greater than the key width so that the sprockets may slightly rotate without rotating the sprocket shaft.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein driving means for moving the pair of roll shaft holding plates comprises sprockets rotatably mounted on both ends of the roll supporting frame and in both sides of the roll supporting frame, a pair of endless chains disposed on both sides of the roll supporting frame and being mounted around the sprockets, said chains being also connected to the roll shaft holding plates so that they may be moved by the rotation of the endless chains, and a motor means fixedly secured to the roll supporting frame for driving, through a chain transmission system, a shaft to which the sprockets with the chains entrained therearound are secured.
 6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the means for suspending each intermediate roll comprises a pair of bearings for rotatably supporting the intermediate roll, and a pair of bearing cases with which the bearings are engaged with a slight play in the vertical direction, said bearing cases being suspended from the roll supporting frame end portion so that they may move from said end portion fo the roll supporting frame to a position under the paper pushing roll disposed near said end portion, the means for moving the intermediate rolls comprising air cylinders which are secured to the roll supporting frame to correspond to each bearing case, while connecting the piston rods to the bearing cases.
 7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein means for rotating the fresh web roll which is supported by the mill stand and is not yet unwound comprises a pulley supporting member which is pivotally suspended from the mill stand so that it may contact with and separate from the web roll, pulleys which are rotatably mounted in the upper and lower end of the pulley supporting member, one of the pulleys being driven by a motor means, and an endless belt, for the web roll driving operation, entrained around the pulleys.
 8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the means for cutting the web running from the expiring roll comprises a pair of parallel arm rods fixed to both ends of a shaft on which the web guiding roll is freely rotatably engaged, so that said arms may oscillate by the rotation of the shaft, an air motor for rotating the shaft from which the arm rods are suspended and a knife secured to the lower end of the armm rods. 